Politic Meaning
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf or relating to polity, or civil government; political.
adjRelating to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong.
Sentence Examples
A certain convocation of politic worms are e'en at him.
CEFR Practice Quiz
It was a ____ move to delay the announcement until after the election.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It would not be ____ to raise the issue at this sensitive stage of the negotiations.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French politique, from Latin politicus, from Ancient Greek πολιτικός (politikós), from πολίτης (polítēs, “citizen”). Cognate with German politisch (“political”). Doublet of politico.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[H]e with his people made all but one politic body whereof himself was the head"
— a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the folio)”, in [Fulke Greville; Matthew Gwinne; John Florio], editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590, →OCLC:
"For then this land was famously enrich'd / With politic grave counsel"
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii]:
"I have been politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy"
— c. 1598–1600 (date written), William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iv]:
"But as he headed for the front of the line one of his minders whispered that it might be politic to go to the back."
— 1999 February 28, Chris McGreal, “Nigerians give two cheers for flawed election”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 02 May 2024:
"But campaigners in Florida accused him of turning a blind eye to the real issues with his "politic" appearance before the commission."
— 2001 January 12, Jane Martinson, “Jeb Bush grilled on voting irregularities”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 17 Jul 2017:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
It was a ____ move to delay the announcement until after the election.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It would not be ____ to raise the issue at this sensitive stage of the negotiations.